The seminar brought together specialists from different fields, but hospital CEO Mona Sarkar emphasised that the first step was for women to take their own health seriously. "Women often neglect themselves. They eat leftovers, that too only after the rest of the family has finished, and postpone doctor visits indefinitely. Why wait till an illness reaches an advanced stage?"

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Young mothers

Speaking on maternal health, paediatrician and neonatologist Dhrubajyoti Halder expressed concern over the growing number of women smoking and drinking. "Some take up these habits in the name of being 'modern', but once they get addicted, they aren't able to stop even during pregnancy. This increases the risk of low birth weight for the child as well as the risk of issues like hypertension and diabetes later in life," he said.

Halder also noted that some mothers are reluctant to breastfeed. "In government hospitals, perhaps only one in a thousand babies requires formula milk. But in private hospitals half the mothers opt for formula, citing fatigue. Even the best formula cannot match the benefits of breast milk, but if we try to counsel them it leads to chaos," he said.

Gynaecologist and obstetrician Rezina Banu said lifestyle changes, including childhood obesity and unhealthy diets, are contributing to girls reaching puberty at increasingly younger ages. "We are seeing some girls start menstruating as early as eight years old. Managing menstrual hygiene at that age can be difficult. Obesity and poor dietary habits also contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a significant cause of infertility. But in many cases, regular exercise, yoga and a healthy diet can help manage it," she said.

Build bone mass till 30

Orthopaedic surgeon Goutam Ghosh said women are more prone to osteoporosis as they generally live longer than men and experience a sharp decline in oestrogen after menopause. "The oestrogen hormone helps maintain bone strength. Think of bone health like retirement savings. Up to around the age of 30, you can build bone mass, but after that, it gradually declines. So the longer you live, the less you have. A healthy diet, regular weight-bearing exercise and adequate vitamin D are essential all through your life. Today many people are vitamin D deficient as they spend most of their time indoors and get little sunlight," he said.

Senior consultant orthopedic surgeon Parthasarathi Sarkar stressed that adolescence is the best time to build strong bones. "But if youths survive on junk food instead of a balanced diet, they miss that opportunity. After the age of 30, bone density declines gradually, and after menopause the rate of bone loss increases significantly. So stop making excuses and exercise for at least 40 minutes every day," he advised.

You are what you eat

The buzzword now is mindful eating, but dietitian Soumyendu Ghosh, said even this needs to be preceded by mindful shopping. "Online grocery apps tempt us with discounts and offers, encouraging us to stock up on unhealthy snacks. If you want to practise mindful eating, switch off the TV, put away your phone, eat slowly and chew your food properly." Ghosh practises at HB Block's Saltlake Mindset centre for mental health and nutrition.

Mitali Palodhi, vice-president of the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA), spoke on fads in the health supplement market. "A woman recently told me she had spent Rs 3,000 on moringa powder online, where this is nothing more than powdered sojne leaves, which grow in many backyards. Just add these leaves to dal as you do with curry pata, and you'll reap the same benefits," she said.

Sumona Mondal, general secretary of IDA, said many women skip breakfast or survive the day on rolls and chowmein. "Others only eat dal-bhat-alu seddho. This menu may fill your stomach, but does not provide all the nutrients your body needs. Ideally, half your plate should consist of fruits and vegetables, one-quarter protein and one-quarter carbohydrates," she said.